FRA(U)GMENTED

DATE: FIRST THURSDAY- 04 DECEMBER 2025 (OPENING)

TIME: 18:00

VENUE: DESMOND AND LEAH TUTU LEGACY FOUNDATION

The Old Granary Building,

Buitenkant Street,

District Six, Cape Town, 8001

ABOUT ARTISTS

POSTER COMING SOON

The exhibit features the works of artists Ni-shaat Bardien and Shalner Ching, as we explore the complex interplay between fragmentation and transformation. It delves into the idea that being broken can lead to a process of becoming, where objects that were once damaged are reimagined and imbued with new significance. The exhibition's title underscores this duality, suggesting that growth can emerge not only from loss but through it. Everyday materials like doilies, bath sheets, and remnants of netting are repurposed to transcend their original functions, evolving into powerful symbols of memory and resistance. This transformation elevates domestic items to a political realm, as both artists utilize these artifacts to reconstruct a broader public narrative.

The artistic exploration is further enriched by our academic research into Cape Town’s garment industry, a vital component of the city’s economic and cultural fabric, particularly as it has historically provided employment for many women. Established in 1925, the industry initially faced challenges from cheaper imports from Great Britain. However, the introduction of tariffs by the Pact government on imported clothing created a favorable environment for local manufacturers, enabling them to flourish. This shift allowed them to cater to the local market and positioned the clothing sector as a trailblazer for import substitution in early 20th-century South Africa.

The exhibition also stands as a heartfelt tribute to matriarchy, recognizing the indispensable role that women have played in nurturing and maintaining the fabric of cultural identity, thereby ensuring that traditions are not only remembered but also celebrated and passed down through generations.